Southampton: Hasenhuttl named as potential Spurs Mourinho replacement

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has a growing reputation in football as someone who could go on to become one of the best around in the future.

His style of play has produced some significant results for Saints since his arrival back in December 2018 and, according to the Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke (speaking on Ask Ornstein), the Austrian’s progress is not going unnoticed.

Speaking about potential replacements for Jose Mourinho at Spurs, Pitt-Brooke said:

"“The two names I’ve heard from sources are Julian Nagelsmann and Ralph Hasenhuttl as potential replacements for Mourinho should he have to go. I don’t think we are in that situation at the moment.”"

Via the other points raised by Pitt-Brooke and David Ornstein in this video, it seems that Spurs are growing a little agitated by their current results – especially given that Mourinho’s style of play is not pleasing to the eye sometimes.

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A lot will depend on success in the Europa League, the EFL Cup final an the Premier League between now and the end of the season and it remains to be seen whether Daniel Levy will be forced into a decision on the Portuguese’s future.

Admiring eyes from North London towards Hasenhuttl’s work on the South Coast will be a concern to Saints though. Levy was impressed with Mauricio Pochettino’s job at St Mary’s and brought him to Spurs, and this eventually led to a Champions League final.

It is important to look at other factors in this situation too. Spurs will be in the hunt for Julian Nagelsmann – without doubt the hottest managerial prospect around at the moment – when he chooses to move on from RB Leipzig.

Also, Ralph Hasenhuttl knows that he has time on his side at Saints. Even after two 9-0 losses in two seasons and a poor run of league form currently, he is in no danger of being sacked and will be wanting to move forward with the club once the pandemic has passed.

The need for success at Spurs means that the job at White Hart Lane is much more intense and would need instant results. Hasenhuttl would get the signings he wants and access to better quality players overall, but he would need time to adjust a team to his tactics.

He will move on from Saints at some point but has shown that he will not be satisfied until his project is complete, and the club will surely give him the valuable time he needs.